Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Papeete (Agenzia Fides) – 2009 has been declared the “Year of the Word of God” in French Polynesia, with the goal of reiterating the centrality of the Word of God in the Church community, the family, and the life of every Christian. As Archbishop Hubert Coppenrath of Papeete explained at the close of the Synod on the Word of God held in the Vatican this past October, the local Catholic community is called to take up these indications from the Holy See and live them in their daily pastoral activity.
Thus, reflecting on the Letters of Saint Paul in the year dedicated to the Apostle, the Catholics of French Polynesia will live 2009 as the “Year of the Word.” The Archbishop is asking every member of the faithful to make “a special effort to better meditate on and live the Gospel in their own lives.” One useful instrument to use in families and communities, he says, is the “Lectio Divina,” a method that helps to enter into the deeper meaning of Sacred Scripture.
It is important for every person and family to dedicate some time each day to reading the Word and to prayer, Archbishop Coopenrath said, so as to inspire in adults, youth, and children the habit of taking up the Bible and “making the Gospel life.” “God reveals Himself and makes Himself present through His Word,” the Bishop told the faithful, encouraging them to “rediscover the living Word of God.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 17/12/2008)
